Exeter ranked third in the country for economic performance

Published: 23 May 2023

Exeter is one of the best performing cities in the country for economic growth, according to an influential new report.

PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index ranks 50 of the UK’s largest cities based on the public's assessment of 12 economic measures, including jobs, health, income, safety and skills, as well as work-life balance, housing, travel-to-work times, income equality, high street shops, environment and business start-ups.

Oxford and Swindon top this year’s Index, with Exeter rising significantly to third - performing strongly on health, jobs and safety.

Cities in the South West of England have improved on last year’s strong performance in the Index, with Swindon, Exeter and Bristol all ranked within the top five of the largest 50 UK cities.

The analysis indicates that people are prioritising work-life balance more than in previous years as post-pandemic changes to working patterns allow people greater flexibility, greater control over working location and supporting better work-life balance.

As a result, this is helping to unlock good growth in many cities across the UK.

Exeter saw rapid growth from last year’s survey, jumping eight places in the Index to third, thanks to strong performance on health, jobs and safety.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “We’ve worked hard to maintain the city centre and support all of our businesses in the city and I am delighted that the hard work has been recognised in this new report.”